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Volume 115 ⢠Issue 20
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Wednesday, May 19, 2021
Council honors former mayor; sets date for proposed budget hearing Names historical museum building for long-time volunteer, tireless worker, Mrs. Barbara Yount âBobbieâ Rudisill by MICHAEL E. POWELL Editor michael@cfmedia.info
At their Monday, May 10 regular session, Cherryville City Council honored former Mayor Robert D. âBobâ Austell; issued proclamations for National Poppy Day and National Police Memorial Week; and approved a date (June 14, 2021) for a public hearing on the proposed 2021-2022 City budget. Robert D. âBobâ Austell, who served five terms, or 10 years, as mayor of Cherryville (2004 to 2014), was
Former Cherryville Mayor Robert D. âBobâ Austell, who served five terms, or 10 years, as mayor of Cherryville, was presented with the prestigious Order of the Long Leaf Pine at the start of the May 10 regular City Council meeting. With him for the presentation is his wife, Caryl Beam Austell. (photos by MEP/The Eagle/CF Media) presented with the prestigious Order of the Long Leaf Pine at the start of the meeting. Mr. Austell had many family members and friends present
who arrived early for a brief get-together prior to his being given the award. âBob is my mentor,â Mayor H.L. Beam, III, said
The National Poppy Day proclamation was read by City Councilwoman Jill Parker-Puett, who is also with the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 100. The proclamation designates May 28, as National Poppy Day to honor Americaâs fallen military men and women. Mrs. Puett presented the proclamation to the members and representatives, young and old alike, who came to the meeting. Auxiliary members present are (back row, left to right): Nancy Rudisill; Jean Skibo; Debbie Harris; Jill Parker-Puett; Monica Lockwood; and Tammy Snider. Front row, left to right, are: Irene White; Claire Harris; and Auxiliary Unit 100 President Lynette Christensen. Behind the Unit 100 members are Council members Jon Abernethy, Mayor H.L. Beam, III, and Councilman Malcolm Parker.
of the former mayor at the reception before the Awardâs actual presentation. âWe are very proud of Bob, and are
very honored he has been chosen for this Award.â Mayor Beam referenced four letters written to nom-
inate Mr. Austell, and then talked about what august company the former mayor See COUNCIL, Page 2
Firefighter Colby Heffner gets Three firefighters receive Fire Inspector II certification pins at April swearing One of four CFD personnel to hold such
in/pinning ceremony
by MICHAEL E. POWELL
by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor michael@cfmedia.info
Cherryville firefighter Colby Heffner now joins three CFD personnel who hold one of the tougher certifications a firefighter can get: NC Fire Inspector II. He adds that to a growing list of other accolades he has accrued in his young life and appears not to be finished growing and learning yet, when it comes to his profession â being a firefighter. Said young Heffner, âI have been a firefighter for 12 years. My current title is Driver/Engineer and I am full-time.â Heffner added he is one of two members on the âC Shiftâ at CFD, the other being Capt. Nathan Bowman. In addition to this newest certification, Colby holds
Editor michael@cfmedia.info
CFD Driver/Engineer Colby Heffner proudly holds his NC Fire Inspector II Certification. (photo by MEP/The Eagle/CF Media) the following: NC Firefighter I & II; NC EMTâ Basic; NC Driver Operator; NC Aerial Operator; NC
Fire Officer I; NC Fire Investigator Technician; Chief 101; Hazardous Material See HEFFNER, Page 6
On April 29, at 3 p.m., the Cherryville Fire Department held a pinning/swearing in ceremony for three firefighters, Kurt Black, Trent Rayfield, and Jacob Richardson. The event was held in the CFDâs training and meeting room and was attended by the three firefighters, their family members, and mayor, H.L. Beam, III, City Manager and Fire Chief Jeff Cash, City Clerk Paige Green, and Assistant Fire Chief Jason Wofford, as well as others. Captain Kurt Black was pinned by his wife, Kasey Black, while firefighter Trent âBam Bamâ Rayfield was pinned by his mother, Roxanne Rayfield, and firefighter Jacob Richardson was pinned by AC Wofford. AC Wofford
Cherryville Mayor H.L. Beam, III speaks at the April 29, ceremonial pinning of three Cherryville firefighters. See more photos on page 3. (photo provided) also recognized the guests and dignitaries who attended. The invocation and ben-
ediction were given by Rev. Jhoan Alfaro, of First Baptist Church.
Gaston Co. ECA recognizes 2020 Volunteer Service DALLAS, N.C. â NC Extension & Community Association (ECA), in collaboration with NC Cooperative Extension, held its annual Achievement Day celebration on May 6, 2020. This event honored and celebrated Gas-
ton County ECA volunteersâ hard work and community activities of 2020. Although COVID greatly impacted the organizationâs activities last year, it certainly did not prevent ECA volunteers from serving our community. Last year, ECA contributed approximately 5,263 volunteer hours â an estimated value of $133,838 â to Gaston County. Volunteers
contributed many hours to making face coverings for Gaston County businesses and residents, along with surrounding areas of North Carolina. Also, ECA volunteers continued working on projects that could be safely done at home, such as making baby quilts and caps for infants in the neonatal intensive care unit at CaroMont Regional See VOLUNTEER, Page 10
ECA Achievement Day 2021 was held Thursday, May 6, at the Citizenâs Resource Center in Dallas. Standing left to right are: Sandi Henderson, Jane Falls, Mary Upton, Karen Rhyne, Linda Minges, Patti Wells, Pamela Myers, Pam Bryson, Cindy Miller, Audrey Hunt, and Dana Croston. (photo provided)
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